Lynn Gardner says she’s always had “a knack for drawing people out who are in trouble.” From friends seeking her advice to strangers pouring their hearts out, the 79 year-old great-grandmother to be says her empathy for others is a trait she cherishes.
“I love being involved with people, and I feel like at my age I’ve had a lot of life experiences that help me to give good advice,” Lynn says.
Lynn was able to share her compassion for those in need when she was asked to be a mentor for the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative last year. Part of Mayor Hickenlooper’s initiative to end homelessness in Denver, FSHI provides the deposit and first month’s rent for a hurting family, as well as pairs them with a mentor team who provides guidance on how to acquire and maintain stability.
“My daughter coordinates an organization called Growing Home at Foothills Community Church where we both attend, and through this program they asked me to be a FSHI mentor,” Lynn recalls. “I think one of the most important things I can do as a mentor is to encourage and listen without judgment.”
Ryan, a single mother of three struggling financially since moving to Denver last year, is the grateful recipient of Lynn’s devotion to those she helps. Ryan and her children, ranging in age from two to twelve years, lived a comfortable life in Connecticut before she discovered her husband was involved in selling narcotics. Fearing a potentially volatile future for her family, she uprooted her children and traveled across the country to start anew in Denver.
“Ryan had a good life; nice home, nice car, and she gave it all up to protect her kids,” Lynn said. “It’s so important to Ryan to be a good mother and keep her family safe.”
Fortunately, Ryan has help from a sister and mother who also live in Denver, but depends on Lynn to help her weather the financial and emotional hardships of going to school full time while maintaining family life. Lynn says she is inspired by Ryan’s unwavering determination and positive outlook despite her challenging circumstances.
“Ryan always tells me, ‘We’re going to get through this somehow,’” Lynn says. “She’s focused on getting her business degree so she can get a good job and be able to afford some things for her family that are out of reach right now.”
Lynn has gone above and beyond for her mentee on multiple occasions since their pairing last September, even helping Ryan and her children celebrate Christmas with unexpected gifts. When Ryan’s daughter was bit by bed bugs several months ago, Lynn took the initiative and had a friend fumigate Ryan’s residence free of charge.
“I try to help as much as I can,” Lynn says. “But I think one of the best things I can do for Ryan is to listen when she needs to vent and remind her that I’m here if she needs me.”
In addition to the financial advice she’s given Ryan, Lynn works to encourage and empower the young mother and her family. Fueled by faith, Lynn remarks, “I always tell Ryan that God is there walking with you no matter what you’re doing, you just have to expect the good.”
The Family and Senior Homeless Initiative thanks its mentors for their compassion in helping those who are hurting in our community. With your help, mentees like Ryan and her family now have the confidence and resources needed to get back on their feet!
